Golf is an outdoor game in which players use specially designed clubs to hit a small, hard ball into holes or cups throughout a nine- or 18-hole course. While golf has been around for centuries and has become more sophisticated throughout the years, the object has remained the same: to advance the ball into a small cup placed in the ground, using as few strokes as possible.

"A unique thing about golf is that the fundamental intention of the game has been basically unchanged for 500 years," says Rand Jarris, librarian for the United States Golf Association (USGA).

Although the actual origin is unknown, golf was first identified with Scotland. Records indicate that it was played there as early as 1457. By the 1800s it had spread, and in 1860 the first British Open Tournament was established. While the game was probably played in America in the 17th century, the country's first permanent club was established in 1888. Golf gained a major surge in popularity in the 20th century, with the establishment of the professional tour and television.

While today's rules for golf are complex and include a code of behavior etiquette, people are drawn to the uniqueness of the sport:

• Golf is played outdoors on large areas of land.
  
   
• No two golf courses are exactly the same. Each course poses unique challenges.
  
   
• A player only can influence his or her own score. Players have no influence over their opponent's score. While players golf with others, they essentially aim to beat their personal scores.
  
   
• It is an opportunity for camaraderie, challenge and enjoyment Golf has psychological and social benefits, in addition to physical ones.
  
   
• By following the standard guidelines to become physically fit, a player's golf game also will improve.

Other forms of golf

During the years, variations of golf have been developed for both fun and practice. Some forms include:

• Aerobic golf. The object of the game is to finish nine or 18 holes with the lowest score, in the shortest time. Thus, the form of this game requires running from shot to shot.
   
• Adaptive golf. Changes to the game and/or special courses that accommodate the needs of golfers with a variety of disabilities.
   
• Driving ranges. A practice and recreation range for repetitive golf ball driving.
   
• Miniature golf. A putting game played on a whimsical course, developed in the 1930s and popular with both children and adults.
   
• Pitch and putt. A shorter version of the standard golf game.
   
• Special putting greens. Designed for putting practice and recreation.
   
• Speed golf. A high-energy form of the game that combines sprinting and running, rather than walking or cart-riding to each shot.

Src: www.wikipedia.org

Related Articles